Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphone review
Great-sounding, reasonably priced noise-canceling headphones from across the pond
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Welcome to this article from the Crutchfield archives. Have fun reading it, but be aware that the information may be outdated and links may be broken.Before I auditioned the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones, I thought I knew what to expect. These wireless over-ears come in at a price slightly below the crowded pack of higher-end noise-canceling headphones. So, I was thinking “OK, it's Cambridge Audio, the home stereo experts out of the UK... they'll find a way to make the headphones sound relatively good.”
But frankly, I’m surprised that they could deliver such a textured, layered sonic performance and convenient functionality at this price. Plus, they sport a designer look and feel, fit snugly and securely, and offer exceptional battery life — 60 hours with noise cancellation and up to 100 hours without.
Advanced Bluetooth and digital circuitry
Music and podcasts play wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, a newer version that's stronger, more reliable, and allows for less compression with certain phones. Cambridge uses an advanced processor chip system that includes Qualcomm’s SnapDragon Sound technology. AptX Lossless is on board, the first and only non-lossy Bluetooth codec that streams at CD-quality.
This exploded view shows the advanced drivers, digital circuitry, and built-in Class AB amplifier.
I could keep my phone at my desk in my home office and walk around my basement freely. And to my ears, the sound tuning was properly balanced out of the box, but you can adjust EQ to your taste with the free, downloadable Melomania Connect app for Apple® or Android™.
Robust build and secure fit
The Melomania P100 feels substantial in the hand. Cambridge uses recycled, heavy-duty plastic for the frame and vegan leather for the headband lining and ear pads. On the head, the earcups protrude further away than most headphones. They also fit rather tightly but feel well cushioned around the ears.
The earcups are larger than most — to accommodate the driver system — but I felt the weight was distributed well on my head.
The large earcups may be a dealbreaker for some, but the clamping wore off for me over time. (I should also point out that the earcups didn't appear to stick out as far when my wife put them on — so some of that could be the size of my noggin!) And the extra space allows the drivers to sit at an angle, controlling how the sound hits your ear and widening the soundstage a bit.
Fast-moving drivers and signature Cambridge Class AB amplification
Those angled drivers are custom made from three layers of mylar. This lightweight material can move, stop, and start quickly while holding its shape. This results in low distortion, spot-on imaging, and fine detail retrieval.
The drivers are housed at an angle to extend the sonic presentation.
Along with advanced digital circuitry, Cambridge uses Class AB amplification like you'll find in the company's CX-series amps. The mix of clean power and well-balanced tuning help serve up a sound presentation inspired by their popular home stereo gear.
The Melomania P100 headphones feature Class AB amplification and sound tuning inspired by Cambridge's flagship CX-series home stereo components.
Adaptive, adjustable noise cancellation and a way to hear others
These headphones use an array of multi-directional mics to capture external sounds, then adjust the level of noise cancellation accordingly. And if you need to hear your surroundings, simply press the dedicated "Ambient Noise Control" button on the left earcup to switch to "transparency" mode. The built-in mics will pick up external sound, so you can instantly hear important ambient noise or voices.
While these headphones don't offer the absolute best noise cancellation available, it is above average. Of course, that means a notch below the noise cancellation in the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC Ultra. But they should be equipped to silence general crowd noise, loud HVAC systems, and plane engine drone. It was strong enough for my purposes, especially since the sound is top flight.
My listening impressions
So, how does the Cambridge sound signature translate in headphones, where the room is completely removed? I heard largely linear tuning with tastefully elevated bass. The low end is restrained without being overly polite — it packs a swift punch.
It helped lay a head-nodding foundation to the hip-hop track, “We're on our Way,” by Common and super-producer Pete Rock. The emcee's voice and sampled vocals occupied a similar place in the center of the soundstage yet remained distinct from one another. It's a testament to how deeply layered these headphones are, even though much of the sonic presentation happens “between the ears.” That said, when the drum loop kicked in, the percussion rolled and danced delightfully off to the right.
On Tori Amos' up-tempo, piano-driven track “Wednesday,” the soundstage extended even further. The separation between instruments was stark, especially whenever the guitar with the "wah-wah" effect arrived. The Melomania P100 gave everything its own space — while delivering the whole as a thrilling, cohesive frolic.
Details
- over-the-ear, closed-back headphones with active noise cancellation
- Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless music listening and phone calls (with aptX adaptive and aptX Lossless)
- multipoint connection for pairing up to two devices at once
- 40mm dynamic mylar drivers deliver linear, well-balanced sound with tight, well-controlled bass
- Class AB amplification and sound tuning inspired by flagship CX-series amplifiers
- designed and tuned in London by Cambridge Audio's expert engineers
- tactile buttons give you control over calls, music, volume, and your phone's voice assistant
- free Melomania Connect app for Apple and Android allows you to adjust settings and customize the sound
- three levels of noise cancellation and three levels of transparency mode
- snug fit with large, well-cushioned earcups
- rechargeable battery provides up to 60 hours of wireless use with noise cancellation (100 hours without)
- battery can be replaced by user with standard tools for better sustainability
- weight: 11.64 oz.
- warranty: 1 year
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